Two youth choirs, nationally acclaimed guest soprano join guest conductor/pianist Rich Ridenourin Home for the Holidays

Muskegon, Michigan, November 22, 2022— West Michigan native, pianist, and consummate performer Rich Ridenour will lead the West Michigan Symphony during its Home for the Holidays concert, putting a fresh twist on a beloved local tradition of joyful, heartwarming family fun, seasonal favorites, and a carol sing-a-long. Joining him for this year’s performance—scheduled for 7:30 […]

Venezuelan pianist returns to West Michigan for Rachmaninoff 2nd Concerto

Muskegon, Michigan, October 18, 2022—Venezuelan-born pianist Gabriela Martinez returns to West Michigan after nearly 10 years to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with Scott Speck and the West Michigan Symphony. The concert, held at 7:30 pm Friday, November 4, will also feature Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on “Amazing Grace.” […]

West Michigan Symphony launches after-school string program in partnership with 21st CCLC Impact

“Tune Up” will provide Muskegon Elementary students with free instruments and instruction Muskegon, MI, September 19, 2022— Beginning this fall, elementary students in Muskegon’s Marquette and Oakview Elementary schools will be given an early start in instrumental music. A new program called “Tune Up” will provide aspiring young musicians with their own string instrument and […]

West Michigan Symphony season opening celebrates John Williams at 90

Concert will feature music from Star Wars, Jaws, E.T., the Indiana Jones movies and more Muskegon, Michigan, September 13, 2022— What would Star Wars, Jaws, and Raiders of the Lost Ark have been without the music of John Williams? This great American composer knew just how to write music that enhanced the mood of whatever […]

West Michigan Symphony will back Alexander Zonjic

“Zonjic Meets Motown” features Detroit’s soul vocal group Serieux performing Temptations classics Muskegon, Michigan, August 10, 2022— Pop, Funk, R & B, Motown, and All that Jazz will be on the bill when jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic teams up with the West Michigan Symphony, conductor Terry Herald, and Serieux… Michigan’s leading R&B vocal group. With […]

ARTS, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS MAKE SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT TO MUSKEGON COUNTY ECONOMY

2019 and 2021 Economic Impact Estimates Illustrate Value of Arts & Cultural Institutions Muskegon, MI – The economic impact of arts and cultural institutions and festivals on the Muskegon County economy is substantial, according to estimates recently released by Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau. Arts and cultural institutions and festivals in Muskegon […]

WMS season finale goes from “Fantasia” to “Fantastique”

Muskegon, Michigan, June 1, 2022—Mickey Mouse vs. the Broom. Unrequited love and dope-induced nightmares. Sorcerers, monsters, and beheading by guillotine. No, it’s not an Alice Cooper concert, it’s the finale of West Michigan Symphony’s 2021-2022 Season, held at 7:30 pm on June 24 at the Frauenthal Center in downtown Muskegon. “Fantastic Finale” is, in fact, […]

Four stellar string musicians will present a plethora of sounds and styles in “Greatest Hits of the String Quartet”

Muskegon, Michigan, June 1, 2022—Arturo Ziraldo is enthusiastic about his upcoming performance featuring the Greatest Hits of the String Quartet, to be held at 7:30pm Friday, June 17 at The Block in downtown Muskegon. Normally, a so-called “chamber music” program features complete, multi-movement works, often from two or three different periods. Ziraldo wanted to offer […]

West Michigan Symphony Pilot Tests a Concert Shuttle Service

Isn’t it wonderful to see the renaissance in downtown Muskegon, with more people and events, especially on weekends, creating an exciting sense of bustle? Well, yes. And… occasionally this bustle results in parking challenges, especially to those with limited mobility. To address this, the West Michigan Symphony will be beta-testing a free shuttle service for its […]

WMS concert celebrates humanity’s diversity and unity

Program opens with Copland’s stirring Fanfare for the Common Man and closes with Tchaikovsky’s “Ukrainian” Symphony Muskegon, Michigan, May 27, 2022—Although planned over a year ago, West Michigan Symphony’s upcoming “Around the World” concert resonates closely with what is happening around the world right now. Led by Music Director Scott Speck, the program opens with Aaron […]

Michigan Arts & Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts